Origins of Western Democratic Liberalism

Origins of Western Democratic Liberalism

Social 30-2Social 30-2

European OriginsEuropean Origins Due to events such as the

French Revolution, liberal ideas began to advance throughout Europe in the 18th century. I.e.- equality, individual

freedoms A shift from Absolute

Power. Complete control over their

societies. Often abused their abilities.

Due to events such as the French Revolution, liberal ideas began to advance throughout Europe in the 18th century. I.e.- equality, individual

freedoms A shift from Absolute

Power. Complete control over their

societies. Often abused their abilities.

PhilosophersPhilosophers

It was during this time that thinkers such as Rousseau began to become popular. Those who agreed with

these thoughts were call liberals. Or those who supported “freedom, or liberty, of the individual”

Aspects of Liberalism listed on pg 102, midway through.

It was during this time that thinkers such as Rousseau began to become popular. Those who agreed with

these thoughts were call liberals. Or those who supported “freedom, or liberty, of the individual”

Aspects of Liberalism listed on pg 102, midway through.

Liberal Ideas on Economic SystemsLiberal Ideas on Economic Systems Industrial

Revolution in the 1700’s and 1800’s, changed the commonly used concept of mercantilism.

Mercantilism- based on the idea that countries need to export more than they import.

Industrial Revolution in the 1700’s and 1800’s, changed the commonly used concept of mercantilism.

Mercantilism- based on the idea that countries need to export more than they import.

Mercantilism and the Class SystemMercantilism and the Class System Mercantilism-

workers do all the labour, yet the government (Kings and Queens) get all the profit.

Class System- upper class, middle class, lower class. Disturbed the

distribution of wealth.

Mercantilism- workers do all the labour, yet the government (Kings and Queens) get all the profit.

Class System- upper class, middle class, lower class. Disturbed the

distribution of wealth.

Adam Smith and the Wealth of NationsAdam Smith and the Wealth of Nations

Complaints about mercantilist systems: Did not distribute wealth very well. Allowed the King or Queen to play

favorites with business and land owners

This created something called monopolies, where a company had exclusive rights on production.

Therefore, they can control the output and the pricing.

Smith believed that competition was necessary in society.

Complaints about mercantilist systems: Did not distribute wealth very well. Allowed the King or Queen to play

favorites with business and land owners

This created something called monopolies, where a company had exclusive rights on production.

Therefore, they can control the output and the pricing.

Smith believed that competition was necessary in society.

Adam Smith and the Wealth of NationsAdam Smith and the Wealth of Nations

If people were free to compete, then it would be in their self-interest to improve.

Suggested that the individual, or company’s pursuit of self-interest is guided by a “invisible hand” Unintentionally

improve the prosperity and well-being of society.

If people were free to compete, then it would be in their self-interest to improve.

Suggested that the individual, or company’s pursuit of self-interest is guided by a “invisible hand” Unintentionally

improve the prosperity and well-being of society.

Adam Smith and the Wealth of NationsAdam Smith and the Wealth of Nations

Against government intervention in society, therefore he was laissez-faire in nature.

Wanted limited government, saying that the government was important in protecting the individual. Believed that self-

improvement was a great motivator to work hard.

Against government intervention in society, therefore he was laissez-faire in nature.

Wanted limited government, saying that the government was important in protecting the individual. Believed that self-

improvement was a great motivator to work hard.

Adam Smith and the Wealth of NationsAdam Smith and the Wealth of Nations

Meritocracy- economic system, in which individuals are rewarded based on their abilities and hard work.

Meritocracy- economic system, in which individuals are rewarded based on their abilities and hard work.

Capitalism and LiberalismCapitalism and LiberalismCapitalism-

consumers and producers have the individual freedom to make economic choices for themselves. Individuals profit from

their individual work.

Capitalism- consumers and producers have the individual freedom to make economic choices for themselves. Individuals profit from

their individual work.

Capitalism and LiberalismCapitalism and Liberalism

Mercantilism Government regulation of business Monopolies Accumulation of wealth by a few people in society

Capitalism Little or no government regulation of business Competition Distribution of wealth across a wider range of

society.

Mercantilism Government regulation of business Monopolies Accumulation of wealth by a few people in society

Capitalism Little or no government regulation of business Competition Distribution of wealth across a wider range of

society.

Classical LiberalismClassical Liberalism

Smith belonged to a group of people who are now known as Classical Liberalists The rights and freedoms

of the individuals as the most important aspect of society.

These rights tended to focus on economic aspects of society.

Smith belonged to a group of people who are now known as Classical Liberalists The rights and freedoms

of the individuals as the most important aspect of society.

These rights tended to focus on economic aspects of society.

Liberal Ideas on Political SystemsLiberal Ideas on Political Systems John Locke, essential rights and freedoms:

To be allowed to participate in government. To be free from excessive government intrusion

into one’s life. To be assured that no one (especially the king and

the nobility) is above the law (that is, rule of law) To be protected and permitted to exercise

individual rights. To be free and to make decisions on one’s own

behalf.

John Locke, essential rights and freedoms: To be allowed to participate in government. To be free from excessive government intrusion

into one’s life. To be assured that no one (especially the king and

the nobility) is above the law (that is, rule of law) To be protected and permitted to exercise

individual rights. To be free and to make decisions on one’s own

behalf.

Liberal DemocracyLiberal Democracy

A political system that is based on the equality of all citizens and that has free elections, multiple political parties, political decisions that are made through a democratically elected legislature, and legal decisions that are made by an independent judiciary,

A political system that is based on the equality of all citizens and that has free elections, multiple political parties, political decisions that are made through a democratically elected legislature, and legal decisions that are made by an independent judiciary,

John Stuart MillJohn Stuart Mill

Classical LiberalistEssay- “On Liberty”

Written during the Industrial Revolution

Role of government was to do only three things:Preserve the rule of law,Protect private property,Ensure the security of the

individual.

Classical LiberalistEssay- “On Liberty”

Written during the Industrial Revolution

Role of government was to do only three things:Preserve the rule of law,Protect private property,Ensure the security of the

individual.

John Stuart MillJohn Stuart Mill

Rule of Law Not based on what might

happen, but rather what will happen.

Based on the rationality that humans innately make wrong choices.

However, he does not say that humans should not be allowed to make these wrong choices.

Therefore, the government persuades society, it does not force.

Rule of Law Not based on what might

happen, but rather what will happen.

Based on the rationality that humans innately make wrong choices.

However, he does not say that humans should not be allowed to make these wrong choices.

Therefore, the government persuades society, it does not force.

John Stuart MillJohn Stuart Mill

The idea of individual liberty is essential to the idea of liberalism.

He also warned governments of the idea of the “mass mind” approach to society, or the dangers of forcing people to think one particular way.

The idea of individual liberty is essential to the idea of liberalism.

He also warned governments of the idea of the “mass mind” approach to society, or the dangers of forcing people to think one particular way.

John Stuart MillJohn Stuart Mill

Believed it was dangerous to silence the individual, therefore societies should embrace free speech.

Believed it was dangerous to silence the individual, therefore societies should embrace free speech.

Beginnings of Modern LiberalismBeginnings of Modern Liberalism

Developed over time to address the concerns about inequalities created by laissez-faire capitalism.

Developed over time to address the concerns about inequalities created by laissez-faire capitalism.

Classical vs. Modern LiberalismClassical vs. Modern Liberalism

Classical Liberalism Interested in protecting the

freedoms of individuals in economic affairs.

Maximum rights and freedoms for certain individuals (entrepreneurs).

Government rules, regulations, and social programs, are kept to a minimum, with every person acting on his or her own behalf.

Classical Liberalism Interested in protecting the

freedoms of individuals in economic affairs.

Maximum rights and freedoms for certain individuals (entrepreneurs).

Government rules, regulations, and social programs, are kept to a minimum, with every person acting on his or her own behalf.

Classical vs. Modern LiberalismClassical vs. Modern Liberalism

Modern Liberalism Interested in creating

equality of opportunity for all individuals.

Freedoms and rights favour the individual, with more individuals in society receiving rights.

Government intervenes to ensure that the most vulnerable people are cared for.

Modern Liberalism Interested in creating

equality of opportunity for all individuals.

Freedoms and rights favour the individual, with more individuals in society receiving rights.

Government intervenes to ensure that the most vulnerable people are cared for.

Is It Funny Yet?Is It Funny Yet?